VAK JEWELS
1. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY?
My family has been in the jewelry industry for three generations now – it started with my grandad, then my dad and now me. For 15 years, I worked on the “generic” side of the jewelry industry and focused on pieces that the trade wanted. Then, six years ago, I realized I wasn’t creatively satisfied so I gave up what I had done for most of my career. I unlearned what I had learned and started my own path to create pieces that drew inspiration from nature and Indian architecture and creatively fulfilled me. I started off with a small atelier with four to five artisans and today we are 15 artisans, creating a limited selection of pieces, around 200 pieces of jewelry per year of which 100-120 are in high jewelry and 50-70 are more accessible pieces.
2. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT JEWELRY?
I see jewelry as art and I see myself as an artist with a painting, being moved and inspired by the stones and the pieces as they come together. I also absolutely love it when a client looks at my piece, gets compliments and tells me the next day.
3. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START YOUR COMPANY?
I wasn’t creatively satisfied, and I felt I was working on pieces that were too commercial. I wanted to do something different and unique so I decided to take the risk and I couldn’t be happier.
4. WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Mumbai. My store is at the Royal Opera House and my atelier is a stone’s throw away.
5. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Mumbai.
6. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR JEWELRY.
Maverick and intelligent. My designs create themselves.
7. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO INCORPORATE ROSE CUT AND PORTRAIT CUT DIAMONDS?
They are the oldest cuts of diamonds in the world and portrait cut diamonds have roots in old Indian jewelry – Mughal jewelry. They are sophisticated, discreet and have an understated beauty. I love the way the facets are on the bottom and given how shallow they are, they allow me to create my art by using a minimal amount of metal.
8. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STONE?
Portrait cut diamond.
9. WHAT’S THE FIRST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?
Truth be told, while I was growing up, I wasn’t crazy about jewelry, even the generic pieces I was doing. However, recently, during one of my visits to the V&A museum, I fell in love with the Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, which features the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a diamond originating from India and one of the largest in the world weighing 105.6cts.
10. WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
The elephant. I’ve loved elephants since I was a child. They are intelligent, loving and loyal. They do everything form the heart and soul.
11. WHO IS YOUR JEWELRY ICON?
Alfred Philippe, his work has really inspired me. He pushed the boundaries with his designs and was way ahead of his time both in costume and high-end jewelry. He worked with animals and nature inspired pieces and is credited for the invisible setting.
12. DO YOU HAVE A PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY YOU WEAR EVERY DAY AND IF SO, WHY?
My black portrait rings – they are three open band rings with a dull finish that I wear together. They are unique, rustic and have a rawness to them that I love. I personally don’t believe in astrology so any stones I wear, I wear them for fashion and because I enjoy wearing them.
13. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE.
Courageous. I wear a lot of color which a lot of people might think is OTT especially because men in India tend to stay away from and instead wear only black and white.
14. LAST PIECE OF JEWELRY YOU BOUGHT AND LOVED?
I have never bought jewelry as I wear my pieces, but I love collecting watches. Last year I bought a 44mm Hublot in a lovely metallic blue color.
15. THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE RECEIVED RECENTLY?
A pair of Christian Louboutin shoes from my wife – they are multicolor and with spikes!
16. THE THING YOU ARE COVETING NEXT?
I’m creating new suits for my next trip.
17. FAVORITE FOOD?
I can’t choose one - I love authentic Mexican, Lebanese, Arabic and Italian food.
18. LEAST FAVORITE FOOD?
White chocolate.
19. WINE OR CHEESE?
Cheese.
20. COFFEE OR TEA?
Coffee.
21. YOGA OR BOXING?
Yoga.
22. FAVORITE SEASON?
Winter – living in Mumbai, I love winter, it’s the best time of the year.
23. FAVORITE CITY?
It has changed over time but at the moment it’s New York.
24. SECRET SKILL?
I have a great sixth sense - I can predict things that a lot of people cannot imagine.
25. WHEN DO YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
When I’m with my twin girls or when I’m creating pieces in my atelier.
26. WHEN DO YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
When I see a piece through, when it’s ready and final and in my hand.
27. YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
My girls growing up – time passing too quickly.
28. HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A LOW DAY?
Seeing the faces of my nine-year-old twin daughters and their hugs!
29. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPIEST?
I can’t choose just one - I love all my pieces.
30. WHAT PIECE(S) OF JEWELRY MAKES YOU FEEL STRONGEST?
The pieces from my Arch of Heaven collection – they carry both my heritage and city in their designs.
31. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Slow down, take it one step at time, enjoy the moments and enjoy the success.
32. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
That I’m shy – my clothes and jewels do not represent your typical shy person.
33. WHAT DOES ‘JOY’ MEAN TO YOU?
Joy comes from within. To be it’s about being in the moment and accepting what is happening. True joy cannot come from external circumstances – it comes from the self.